Pilot Program Offers Roadside Assistance To Electric Vehicles

AAA is launching a pilot program in six U.S. markets to provide roadside assistance to electric vehicles. One such market is Portland, one of three on the West Coast.

For years, the auto club has provided its members assistance in the form of gasoline to make it to the next gas station. With some 1.2 million vehicles expected to be on the road by 2015, AAA is getting ahead of the curve.

The truck that will offering a charge to stranded drivers who have run out will run on compressed natural gas in Oregon. In other markets, delivery vehicles will operate using a variety of alternative energy technologies. Marie Dodds, Director of Public and Governmental Affairs for AAA says the organization will evaluate which works best during the pilot project phase. The trucks will also be equipped to handle traditional services such as battery testing, jump starts and flat repair.

Google studies indicate that by 2030, 90 percent of new vehicles sold will either be hybrids or electrics.